O'Brien expects Wilson to keep playing both football and baseball

North Carolina State University

O'Brien expects Wilson to keep playing both football and baseball

N.C. State quarterback Russell Wilson releases a pass against Florida State on October 16, 2008.

By Dane Huffman

Nov 5, 2008

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Russell Wilson arrived at N.C. State as a two-sport athlete, contributing both as a true freshman in baseball last spring and then starting as a redshirt freshman in football this fall.

But his success in football has raised a question among Wolfpack fans about his future. State has top quarterback prospect Mike Glennon redshirting this season, and would Wilson, who is 5 feet 11 and thus not a likely NFL prospect, turn to baseball eventually?

N.C. State football coach Tom O’Brien continued to rave about Wilson Wednesday, and said he expects Wilson to continue to play both sports.

“I don’t see that changing,” O’Brien said, adding that the two would talk about it at the end of the season. “I would expect that [playing both sports], yes. I think that’s what he wants to do. He certainly can help our baseball team.”

Wilson has completed 82 of 143 throws this year for 900 yards. He has eight touchdown passes and just one interception.

“He’s a very smart individual and has made the most of his opportunity as a quarterback,” O’Brien said. “Our chances to win games at the end have been because he’s been efficient with the football and hasn’t turned it over.”

Wilson hit .296 for the baseball team, playing in 32 games and starting 16 as an infielder. Wilson had two homers, eight RBI and six steals for a strong Pack team that finished 42-22 overall.

He did that while practicing with the Wolfpack football team during spring football, sometimes doing both sports in one day.

“I think baseball is very important to him,” O’Brien said. “We talked about it when he was recruited here. The only stipulation we’ve done is in the spring, he makes all those spring practices. If you’re going to be a starting quarterback, you need all 15 opportunities in the spring.”

Most Recent Comments

RE: O'Brien expects Wilson to keep playing both football and baseball

He has had an O line for several games now, and his performance is off the charts. Bobby Bowden said he runs like a scalded dog and "scares him to death". Wellunceducated is a troll trying to stir up trouble. Don't pay him no mind! :)

RE: O'Brien expects Wilson to keep playing both football and baseball

He's a freshman and his football IQ is off the chart, this guys is the reason state has a chance to be in any game, if he had any kind of O line this year or next you would really see his talent shine

RE: O'Brien expects Wilson to keep playing both football and baseball

what has he accomplished in either sport? he has not made all acc in either sport,why all the hype? if he was smart he would of went to CAROLINA and played in a WORLD SERIES NCAA,and this year he would of played in a bowl game,get the picture!!!

RE: O'Brien expects Wilson to keep playing both football and baseball

As highly-touted as Glennon was coming out of high school, he may not be happy with sitting out another year. In the end, I guess you just have to start whoever is the best man for the job.

RE: O'Brien expects Wilson to keep playing both football and baseball

If he stays as he is, a position switch would do him well in the nfl(think randle el). Of course, who is to say he will not grow some more. He is only nineteen, right? Or is he twenty. Either way, his intelligence and athleticism will serve him well wherever he goes. Why not sit glennon again next year if wilson stays with football? Glennon could start soph-senior years. (Glennon is a true frosh right?) Just a thought. Thanks!

WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina State University